Patent Application
20170284704
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to solar energy collecting devices. More particularly the present invention relates to a roof panel for a building having an integrated solar thermal system.
Description of Related Art
The need exists to optimize energy efficiency in building heating, cooling, and powering systems. This is particularly important in light of increasing energy costs and global warming concerns. The more that a building can take advantage of energy efficiency and clean power, the better. One example of clean power that there is an abundance of is solar radiation energy. This solar energy continually beats down on upward facing surfaces, such as roofs. Attempts have been made in the past to harness this energy through, for example, solar panels, solar collecting installations, and building add-ons to absorb heat and other energy. However, these suffer from numerous shortcomings and are typically not cost effective.
Therefore, what is needed is a simple, cost effective and efficient system that can absorb solar energy, covert it to heat, and extract this heat energy for useful purposes.
The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.
In one aspect, a roof for a building is provided. The roof comprises a solar heat absorbing fin pipe assembly. This assembly utilizes a plurality of elongate fin pipes attached to each other along lengthwise edges. However, in other embodiments, the elongate fin pipes may be spaced apart in a parallel arrangement under a metal roof. Each fin pipe may have a pipe defining a flow channel through its interior, and a fin or fins extending along a top of the pipe. The fin/fins form a top platform to absorb incoming radiant energy such as solar energy. The pipe extends downward from a bottom of the fin(s). These fins are typically integrally formed with the pipe and together form a top face configured to receive a solar radiation. A quantity of piping is attached to the fin pipe assembly. This piping is configured to connect a fluid flow to the inlet and outlet side of the fin pipe assembly to provide parallel fluid flow through the assembly from a first cold end to a second hot end. The piping may comprise an inlet pipe leading to an inlet header which splits into a plurality of parallel inlet flows. Each inlet flow connects to one of the flow channels of the plurality of fin pipes at a first cold end. Outlet flows exit the plurality of flow channels at the second hot end and join together at an outlet header. An outlet pipe connects to the header and conveys fluid out of the system for energy conversion to productive uses. This fin pipe assembly is positioned such that the two fins of each of the plurality of fin pipes forms a top outer surface of the roof. In a particular embodiment, a single inlet flow may be split at a second hot end and reversed back in an opposite direction as two outlet flows, passing again back over the heated fin(s). These two outlet flows may then rejoin at the outlet header at the same side as the initial inlet flow.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
Generally, the present invention concerns a roof-integrated solar thermal system. The system operates generally by passing fluid in parallel flow through one or a plurality of panels using fin pipes, with the fins being sun facing. Fluid passing through the fin pipe assembly is heated by sunlight, and energy is extracted from this heated fluid for useful purposes including home heating, electricity generation, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the panels and roof elements are pre-fabricated, allowing for simple, modular, and rapid installation. As such, the present invention may be installed as a single unit serving the dual purpose of creating a roof covering that also operates as a solar energy collector.
In one embodiment, the fin or fins of the fin pipe may operate as the material of the roof itself. In another embodiment, a metal (or other roof material) panel or layer may be directly connected to the fin pipe surface. In one embodiment, this roofing material may be connected to the fin pipe surface using a heat conducing tape or adhesive to provide enhanced heat conductivity.
In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize parallel flow for a plurality of fin pipe flow channels. As such, cold side fluid enters each of the fin pipe flow channels at a first end after being split from an inlet flow header. After passing through the length of the fin pipe flow channel, being warmed by heat from the sun, the fluid exits from each channel at a second hot end and rejoins at a header. This provides superior heat absorption compared to prior art serpentine flow patterns, providing for more even and efficient heat absorption by the working fluid.
In further embodiments, insulation may be installed to a back of the fin pipe assembly. This insulation is preferably assembled as part of the pre-fabricated piece but optionally may be installed after roof installation. The insulation may maximize heat transfer from the fin pipe to the fluid to be heated, and also may serve as building roof insulation. Typically rigid foam board insulation is used, however any insulation may be used without straying from the scope of the present invention.
In some embodiments, multiple pieces of the roof assembly may be attached together to form a weather tight seal. Options for attaching the pieces together may include, but are not limited to mechanical connections such as bolts, rivets, tongue and groove fitting, and/or adherent connections such as sealants, adhesives, caulks, and the like. In other embodiments fins may overlap on adjacent panels with one fin positioned above another to form an overlapping sealed connection.
The materials of the present invention may be selected to be rigid and durable enough for roof usage, that also are good conductors of heat. Typical materials may include metals, especially conductive metals such as aluminum, copper, and the like. However, it is to be understood that any material may be used without straying from the scope of the present invention. In many embodiments, the metal selected may be an unglazed metal panel allowing for direct exposure to the metal.
The fluid used by the present invention to absorb the heat from the fin pipes, which may be referred to herein as “working fluid,” may be any fluid capable of being pumped through the flow channels to absorb heat. Typically this fluid may be water or a water based solution or mixture. However, fluids including glycol solutions, alcohols, and the like may be used. As noted, other fluids may also be used, so long as they may be flowed through the requisite channels, piping, and the like, to absorb heat.
Turning now to
While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.
